Author Ruby Roth Shares a Message of Compassion with Kids

December 13, 2013

Written by Katie Vann

Artist and author Ruby Roth recognizes that children are fascinated by other animals and are inherently compassionate towards them. She also knows that when kids discover that not all animals are treated kindly by humans, they don’t seem to understand why. They ask questions. They wonder. They reflect. And, most impressively — they ask how they can help.

In several beautiful children’s books, Ruby gently yet powerfully introduces young readers to important animal protection issues, highlighting how each of us can be a hero for animals. Her books include: That’s Why We Don’t Eat Animals, Vegan is Love, and V is for Vegan.

Q: Your newest publication puts a compassionate spin on the classic alphabet book. Can you tell us more about it?

A: I’m so excited about it! V Is for Vegan: The ABCs of Being Kind is a rhyming book that explains this lifestyle to the youngest audience yet…or to adults with very short attention spans. It’s veganism in 26 sentences—the quickest read ever! It’s funny, light, and covers the main tenets of kind living. For kids or as an adult novelty book, it’s sure to be a great conversation starter.

Q: What inspired you to focus on empowering children to explore the important issues of how we treat — and sadly often mistreat — animals?

A: We can’t afford to wait for the next generation to grow up before teaching them how to love deeply, think critically, and act responsibly. I think veg-educated kids are ahead of the game. These are the kids that will become industry innovators in the next generation—for a more sustainable, just, and responsible society.

Q: How do kids react to your books?

A: Unlike most adults, kids react with a great sense of diplomacy—they reflect, ask questions, offer insights and announce the dots they’re connecting. When kids find out there’s something they can do to help animals, they want to participate. Doing right by animals and by nature makes perfect sense. Inflicting harm, as normal business, seems utterly absurd to kids—and it is.

Q: Your books are so beautiful presented, making them just as appealing to adults as they are to kids. What do you hope readers of all ages will take away?

A: I want families to take away a sense of personal agency—the idea that we don’t ever have to fear or fret over things that we have the power to change. As I say in my books, we don’t have to wait to grow older, for laws to change, or presidents to be elected, we can begin right now. Our choices are powerful—vegan is love!